HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Radio station WTCR will host its 20th annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® radiothon Thursday and Friday live from Borders in the Huntington Mall.

The radiothon raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, the world’s premier center for the research and treatment of cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.

In 2009, the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids® program celebrates 20 years of supporting the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to find cures and save children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

Stop by borders and help WTCR celebrate 20 years of helping kids with cancer. There will also be an online donation link on the WTCR website for your convience.

The radio fundraising program began in 1989 after Randy Owen, lead singer of the music group ALABAMA, met St. Jude founder Danny Thomas.

Since its inception, Country Cares has grown to be one of the most successful radio fundraising events in the nation with more than 200 radio station partners raising more than $345 million in pledges.

“I’m so proud that the music that helped me put bread on my table and have a career is the same music and the same fans, to a certain degree, that have made incredible contributions to Country Cares,” Randy Owen said. “I look forward to the future. I absolutely know we’re making a difference in a very positive way.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more information, please visit www.stjude.org.